You know there’s a party going on when Motley Crue pulls into town, and bringing like-minded friends upped the ante big time.

Kicking off the set with “Kickstart My Heart” Crue brought on more pyro, smoke, leather and lights in the first five minutes than all the acts at the center this year combined.

Singer Vince Neil looked fit as his shrill, strident pipes cut through the guitar heavy mix. Guitar master Mick Mars stayed on his marks, looking ghostly but playing heavenly. Bass man Nikki Sixx prowled around the stage looking good, but the bass drum rendered him nearly inaudible in the mix. Tommy Lee-known more these days for things besides drumming- sat behind a huge kit with a bass drum bigger than he was.

From the raucous “Wild Side” in-your-face “Shout at the Devil,” new tune “Saints of Los Angeles” (where all the other band’s singers joined in for the chorus) Crue hit hard.

A stoic Mars … looking at least 100 years old but playing like a 19-year-old … had a flashy extended solo spot and quoted Hendrix without moving an eyebrow (though his fingers were flying). His playing was surely the best part of the show by far.

A rocking “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S)” was accompanied by curious video clips that combined porn and dictators in a crazy juxtaposition.

“Primal Scream” roared, “Looks That Kill” held a giant backbeat, he pile driving beat of “Girls, Girls, Girls” fell into “Dr. Feelgood” while a encore of the sentimental “Home Sweet Home” sent everyone home.

Buckcherry is certainly nipping on the heels of Crue with similar themes but youthful energy. Disbanded in 2002, regroup with Todd and Keith Nelson new recruits and hit the stage with a vengeance.

Josh Todd won the charismatic frontman award with his sway and swagger in “Dirty Mind,” with hit “Lit Up” Todd took off his coat and exposed his bony body covered with ink for the rest of the set.

A bluesy riff drove `Next 2 You” while “Too Drunk” sounded like a Humble Pie outtake, a show highlight.“Everything” was almost serious song about possibilities, new tune “Rescue Me” held it’s own, and “Crazy Bitch” blasted them out into the night.

Papa Roach kicked it out fast and furious with “Broken Home” and “Last Resort” and left the crowd chanting its name long after the last note faded.

David Malachowski is a local freelance writer from Woodstock and a regular contributor to the Times Union.